Auto Accident Instructions
TALK TO NO ONE
Do not talk to anyone about your accident, except for your lawyer or the staff in his office. You should always ask for the name of the person you are talking to. Do not talk to your own insurance company or to any lawyers hired by your own insurance company without notifying us so that we may be present if we desire. We will generally want your statements to be taken in our office. Furthermore, DO NOT POST any information regarding the accident to Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc..)
YOUR DOCTORS
You should return to each of your doctors as often as necessary and should always tell them about all your complaints. You should not minimize your ailments to your doctors as it is one of the best ways for them to know how to treat you. If you see any additional doctors, be sure we are advised immediately of their names and addresses.
RECORD OF COMPLAINTS
Please keep a daily or weekly record of your complaints and progress. This can be very helpful if you need to testify later in court. You will be able to recall your pain and difficulties more easily.
WAGES AND EARNINGS LOST
Please keep an accurate record of all days lost from work because of your injuries.
MEDICAL BILLS
Obtain and keep duplicate copies of all medical, hospital and drug bills. You should periodically send copies of these bills to us for our file. Also keep records of any other expenses you may have in connection with your accident, such as the hiring of extra help. All your bills should be paid by check or you should obtain and keep receipts. You should keep a list of all your medical bills and the costs incurred in going to your doctors.
CAR REPAIR
Do not have your automobile repaired until we have received pictures of it. E-mail us all angles (front, side and rear; regardless of damage incurred) After pictures are taken have your collision insurance carrier repair your car.
TRAFFIC OFFENSES
Never plead guilty or responsible to any traffic ticket, until you discuss your case with your lawyer.
WITNESSES
Furnish to us immediately, the correct names, addresses and telephone numbers of any and all witnesses you may learn of.
SAVE YOUR CAST
If your injury requires a cast, brace, crutches or other medical appliance Save them for evidence. You should notify us that you are keeping these things and when the case is set for trial you should bring those items with you to our office.
PHOTOGRAPHS
E-mail us any photographs taken of your injuries. If you are required to be in the hospital and are receiving any type of treatment such as traction, please notify our offices so that we may have our investigator photograph you, if necessary.
HOSPITAL AND DOCTOR BILLS
Have your own health insurance carrier pay as many hospital and doctor bills as possible. Also, submit a copy to our office. If you have automobile medical-payments coverage submit duplicate medical bills for reimbursement to you.
CAR RENTAL INSURANCE
If you obtain a rental vehicle, you are solely responsible for paying the property damage insurance; also known as a "damage waiver". The insurance companies will not pay for this insurance. If you have collision coverage on your current automobile insurance policy it may cover rental vehicles. Review your policy or ask your insurance agent. If you have such coverage you do not have to purchase additional property damage insurance.